Volunteers

Mission: To examine: What are the determinants of the incidence of diarrhoeal diseases in adolescents in Kameshwaram? In particular, is the presence or absence of toilets one of these determinants?

Observation: The incidence of diarrhoea in Kameshwaram is significantly higher than the rate in same age group in high income countries. However, further statistical analysis is required to isolate the impact of access to sanitation from that of other complementary factors like access to water, nutrition, hygiene and waste management.

Impact: Given the excellent quality of the research methodology developed, it will be applied to a larger population study in Kameshwaram.

Mission: To carry out an audit of the sanitation drive of an MFI (micro-finance institution) partner of the FINISH programme.

Observation: The loans were efficiently converted into toilets, but most of these toilets seem to be environment-contaminating because the septic tanks are too rudimentary to be safe. Furthermore, only a quarter of beneficiaries cited a change in their health status after acquiring their toilet.

Impact: The report was extremely appreciated and led to further demand for sanitation audits.

Mission: To see if organic farming techniques can be adopted by local farmers and if the students in Kameshwaram can be taught to litter less and throw garbage into specified garbage bins.

Observation: Persistence pays (see their report). It is possible to bring about behavioural change in schools but this must be sustained through accompaniment, monitoring and putting in place a management system.

Impact: FIN is still working on this. The basic problem is to get the school to participate financially and to convince them that parents would also appreciate having a clean school and be wiling to participate in maintenance.

Mission: To evaluate how we can create a willingness to pay for toilet repairs and waste management. Observation: FIN has a real visibility problem within the village. All know Mr. Paranjothi of FIN as a person, but not as a representative of FIN. They do not know of FIN or what it does.

Impact: Many steps taken to create visibility, understanding and trust. Mr. Paranjothi in now clearly aware that not only he but FIN must be known and understood by the villagers.